IN T E RV I E W Juerg Degenmann, head of Mudanzas Internacionales Global FOR THE LOVE OF THE CHALLENGE Working in one of the most challenging moving markets in the world, Juerg Degenmann, head of Mudanzas Internacionales Global in Venezuela, has been faced with everything from worker strikes and raw material shortages to threats of extortion and kidnapping. However, after more than two decades at the helm of the company, he is still as passionate as ever about his work, staff and the tests that come with working in the countrys moving business. Dominic Weaver reports W hen Juerg Degenmann, head of Mudanzas Internacionales Global in Venezuela, spoke to FIDI Focus in 2015, there was trouble afoot in the countrys moving business. After years of political turmoil, many large corporations and private families with second passports had moved away, and relocations had withered to a fraction of what they once were. He signed off the interview saying I cant see a future Today, speaking from his office in Bogot where he established a partner business to Global four years ago his bullishness about the Venezuelan 36 FF304 Dec_Jan 22 pp36-39 Interview.indd 36 industry is back. Global was involved in moving both the embassies of the US and Brazil when they left the country (in 2019 and 2020, respectively), which created huge business, for the company; and, although these and larger corporate moves are generally few and far between now, Degenmann says recent activity suggests the government is again looking to encourage inward investment in business, including Venezuelas once powerful oil industry. I think it understands it needs the help of foreign companies and is looking for joint ventures with oil companies, he says. Every week, we are getting requests connected to the oil business, so I think WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 07/12/2021 09:55